202: Reorganization

The sunset had completely sunk below the horizon, and nightfall shrouded the Red River Plain, which still reeked of blood and scorched earth. Inside the central command tent, lights were brightly lit, and all senior officers of the Star Sea Territory who had received orders had gathered once more. The atmosphere was even more solemn than during the day. The immense workload of counting and summarizing throughout the night left fatigue on many faces, but their eyes were brighter than before, for the figures they were about to report represented the majestic power of a new force.

Linn remained seated in the main seat, his fingers rhythmically tapping the armrest as he waited.

Clay, one of Linn's earliest followers and currently the only Four-star General of the Star Sea Territory, stepped forward. Holding a thick parchment scroll, he began to report in a resonant voice:

“Reporting to the Duke! After being compiled and verified by the commanders of each army overnight, as of this moment, the total strength of our forces has been counted!”

He took a deep breath and read out that soul-stirring number: “Excluding the Special Operations Corps, the various armies of the original Star Sea Territory, plus the surrendered Aulai troops incorporated from Holy Radiance City and the Red River battlefield, and excluding those heavily injured who cannot return to the ranks in the short term—the total number of battle-ready troops is 1.5 million!”

1.5 million!

A slight sound of gasping echoed in the tent. Although everyone had made estimates, hearing the exact figure still caused a surge of excitement. What a massive military force! It was enough to dominate a region and shake the continent!

Only Linn, upon hearing this number, had a flash of complex emotion in his eyes rather than pure joy. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible sigh: “I remember that at its peak, the Aulai Kingdom claimed to have three million troops, including the standing army and the private armies of local nobles. After more than a year of internal strife and the Red River meat grinder... now, the armed forces on this vast territory, combined with the Foundation of my Star Sea Territory, only amount to these 1.5 million.”

The cruelty of war and the decimation of the population were evident. However, this army of 1.5 million, tempered through blood and fire and integrated by him personally, possessed cohesion and combat power that the loose and bloated old Aulai army of the past could never match.

The sentiment lasted only a moment, and Linn's gaze quickly returned to coldness and decisiveness. The massive army required more efficient and deterrent organization and deployment to deal with internal troubles and external threats.

“Clay.”

“I am here!”

“The original Star Sea Guard Army was my earliest core combat strength and has achieved outstanding merits. I now order you to select the most loyal, brave, and outstanding soldiers from across the entire army, regardless of whether they are old or new, to replenish the Guard Army to a full strength of 100,000!” Linn's voice carried an unquestionable power. “It shall be renamed the ‘Holy Guard Corps.’ It will be my direct personal army, guarding the center, and serving as the blade and model for the entire military! It will still be led by you, and you are granted the rank of Five-star General, specifically responsible for the affairs of the Imperial Guard Corps.”

The Holy Guard Corps! The Duke's direct personal army! A Five-star General!

The eyes of everyone in the tent were filled with envy and congratulations as they looked at Clay. This was not just an expansion, but supreme honor and trust. Clay's face flushed with excitement as he knelt heavily on one knee: “Thank you, Duke! I will not fail your trust. The Holy Guard Corps will forever be the sharpest sword and the strongest shield in your hand!”

“Ocean Jack.”

“I am here!” Ocean Jack, the naval commander, stepped forward.

“The four major naval corps—Star Sea, Vast Sea, Overturning Sea, and Sea Quelling—will each be expanded to 100,000 men, totaling 400,000, to form the ‘Southern War Zone.’” Linn turned his gaze toward the south. “The theater's defense range includes the original Iris Family territory of Molan Province and the other three southern provinces, and it will govern all southern waters of Aulai. Your task is to firmly hold command of the sea, consolidate the four southern provinces, and resist any incursions the Fama Kingdom might launch from the southern sea or land! Ocean Jack, you will concurrently serve as the Commander of the Southern War Zone and are granted the rank of Five-star General.”

“Karl, Hogan, and Vaughan, as the commanders of the naval corps, you are granted the rank of Four-star General for your meritorious service in this campaign.”

“By your command! We will ensure the southern maritime borders and gateways are secure!” The naval commanders solemnly accepted the order. With 400,000 naval troops guarding the wealthy southern lands and the long coastline, the responsibility was immense.

“Yilman.”

“I am here!” Yilman, the army commander who had followed Linn since the beginning, bowed.

“For the Army, with the Po Jun Legion and the Dragon Scale Knights as the core, and incorporating the designation of General Usachi's newly formed ‘Southern Army,’ these three main corps will each be expanded to 200,000 men, totaling 600,000, to form the ‘Central War Zone.’” Linn’s finger traced across the map. “The theater headquarters will be established in Peru Province, the territory of Duke Nocturne. This place is located in the heart of the kingdom and is a transportation hub, allowing us to support the east or look to the west. Your responsibility is to stabilize the vast central region, suppress any potential local instability, and at the same time, strictly monitor and defend against any military adventures the Fama Kingdom might attempt from the central border! Yilman, you will concurrently serve as the Commander of the Central War Zone and are granted the rank of Five-star General.”

“Evan and Usachi, I grant you both the rank of Four-star General to assist Yilman.”

“We accept the order! We will surely guard the center and deter all directions!” The three replied in deep voices. With 600,000 elite army troops stationed in the center, capable of both offense and defense, they were the true anchor of the kingdom.

“Angus.”

“I am here!” Angus, who was skilled at commanding large corps and had a steady style, stepped forward.

“The original Eastern Wasteland Army and Star-Moon Legion will be expanded to 400,000 men to form the ‘Northern War Zone.’” Linn’s gaze shifted to the north. “The theater's defense zone includes the northern provinces of the original Aulai Kingdom and extends to Brussels Province, which Wolf King Jokic is ‘managing’ on our behalf. Your task is to stabilize the recently pacified north, assimilate the territory, and construct a northern defense line to guard against pressure from the Fama Kingdom in the north, and... be vigilant against other potential threats in the north. Angus, you will concurrently serve as the Commander of the Northern War Zone and are granted the rank of Five-star General. Evan is granted the rank of Four-star General.”

“I understand! Leave the peace of the North to me!” Angus and Shirei solemnly promised. Guarding the vast northern border with 400,000 troops was an equally arduous task.

“Gordon!”

The Legendary Advanced Grand Magus Gordon stepped forward.

“Your responsibility is to assist Elise in integrating the Aulai Magic Corps into my Star Sea Magic Corps. Elise will still serve as the Magic Corps Commander. As for you...” Linn glanced at him. “After you complete this work, you will return with me to Star Sea Island to serve as the first Enshrined Expert of the Star Sea Territory and concurrently as the Dean of the Star Sea Magic Academy.”

In a short period, Linn, with astonishing boldness and clear thinking, had integrated and planned the 1.5 million diverse troops into four strategic corps:

Holy Guard Corps (100,000): Linn's direct core, the strongest combat power and symbol.

Southern War Zone (400,000 Navy): Guarding the maritime borders and southern gateway, facing the southern Fama forces.

Central War Zone (600,000 Army): Stationed in the heartland, deterring internal and external threats, facing the main Fama forces in the center.

Northern War Zone (400,000 Army): Stabilizing the northern border, expanding defensive depth, and facing northern Fama threats and unknown dangers.

“It will be hard on all of you for a while. Integrate the armies and move to your stations. As soon as you arrive, the first thing you must do is purge the nobles of the Aulai Kingdom. Those who submit and hand over their private armies may retain their fiefs. Those who do not comply will have their property confiscated and their clans exterminated.” A flash of ruthlessness appeared in Linn's eyes.

This easternmost kingdom of the Saidi Luoyate West Continent had to be overthrown and reorganized according to his will. First and foremost, the malpractice of noble private armies had to be removed.

“Once everything is stable, we will hold a founding ceremony and distribute rewards.”

Everyone was invigorated; the kingdom belonging to the Star Sea Territory was finally arriving...